NOVEMBER 15, 2023

TSA EXPECTS RECORD-SETTING TRAVEL OVER THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY PERIOD


The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced that it anticipates airport security checkpoints nationwide will be busier than ever this holiday travel season. The holiday season starts with Thanksgiving travel, which begins Friday, November 17, and concludes Tuesday, November 28. During the 12-day period, TSA expects to screen 30 million travelers. Historically, the three busiest travel days are the Tuesday and Wednesday prior to Thanksgiving and the Sunday afterward. TSA is projecting to screen 2.6 million travelers on Tuesday, November 21; 2.7 million travelers on Wednesday, November 22; and 2.9 million travelers on Sunday, November 26, which will likely be the busiest travel day. TSA has recorded multiple days with more than 2.8 million travelers screened so far in 2023. The current record for the heaviest travelers screening volume in TSA history was on Friday, June 30, with nearly 2.9 million travelers screened at checkpoints nationwide. TSA will likely exceed this record this Thanksgiving holiday travel period.

NORTH AMERICAN CARRIERS’ OCTOBER ON-TIME PERFORMANCE UP AGAIN


The October on-time performance of North American carriers improved for a third month in a row, but the rate of increase eased a bit, reports Business Travel News. According to Cirium’s latest monthly report, on-time performance in October increased 2.8 percentage points to 80.1 percent compared with September's 5.5 percentage-point increase to 77.3 percent. All but two qualifying carriers showed month-over-month improvement: Southwest remained the same at 78.4 percent, and WestJet dropped 5.2 percentage points to 71.3 percent. Delta retained its top ranking with a 90.8 percent on-time performance, the first time a carrier broke 90 percent since at least January 2022. United Airlines was second with 86.3 percent, followed by Alaska Airlines with 86.1 percent. Delta also topped the global on-time performance list, while United was fourth and American Airlines was sixth with 85.5 percent. In addition, North American carriers in October canceled 4,656 flights, a 52.7 percent decrease from September. A flight is considered on time if the aircraft arrives at the gate within 15 minutes of the scheduled arrival time.

GLOBAL AIR TRAVEL DEMAND REMAINS HIGH


Global air travel demand remains high as the post-pandemic air travel boom continued across the globe in September, reports Travel Pulse. According to research conducted by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Total air traffic – which is measured using revenue passenger kilometers (RPKs) – rose 30.1 percent globally from September 2022. Traffic has reached 97.3 percent of pre-pandemic levels. In the US, air traffic reached a new high, increasing 28.3 percent from last year and exceeding pre-pandemic totals by 5 percent. Internationally, air travel reached 93.1 percent of pre-pandemic levels. Some regions of the world saw significant year-over-year gains. Airlines in the Asia-Pacific region saw a 92.6 percent increase from September 2022, likely in part due to the resurgence of travel across the region this year compared to 2022. Meanwhile, airlines in Africa saw a 28.1 percent increase, while airlines in the Middle East saw a 26.6 percent increase in traffic. Latin America airlines saw a 26.8 percent increase. North American airlines saw an 18.9 percent increase, and European airlines saw a 15.7 percent increase.

UNITED TO OFFER MORE FLIGHTS THAN EVER TO FLORIDA THIS WINTER


United Airlines has announced that it will offer more flights to Florida this winter than it has in the airline's history. The carrier plans to grow its schedule by 20% compared to last winter with more flights to destinations including Miami, Orlando, and Tampa, as well as by flying larger planes with more seats. For the first time in the carrier’s history, United will fly mainline aircraft and nearly double the number of seats between Key West International Airport (EYW) and several United Hub airports including Chicago’s O'Hare International Airport (ORD), DC’s Dulles International Airport (IAD), as well as Houston, Newark/New York. "We know that November is when most people start their winter travel planning so we're adding these flights to give customers more options than ever," said Mark Weithofer, United's Managing Director of Domestic Network Planning. "We've already begun to see record breaking demand for winter travel.”

FAA’S SAFETY REVIEW TEAM DEMANDS ACTION AFTER SPATE OF NEAR INCIDENTS


An independent safety review team named by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) after a series of close-call air incidents called for “urgent action” and made a series of recommendations to boost safety, reports Skift. The 52-page report cited air traffic control staffing shortages, technology issues, funding needs, and other challenges. “The FAA continues to be asked to do more with less in an already strained system, and the series of serious incidents in early 2023 illuminate significant challenges to the provision and safety oversight of air traffic services,” said the report chaired by Michael Huerta, a former FAA administrator, saying “there are no easy, short-term fixes to the challenges in the system.” The report called for strengthening FAA organizational structures “institutionalizing roles and responsibilities, and advancing a proactive, data-driven safety culture.” The FAA in September extended cuts to minimum flight requirements at congested New York City-area airports through October 2024, citing staffing shortages. A government watchdog report said in June that critical air traffic facilities face significant staffing challenges, posing risks to air traffic operations. The FAA said in March it was taking steps to improve its air traffic control operations, which are short-staffed. 

BALBOA BAY RESORT

1221 WEST COAST HIGHWAY

NEWPORT BEACH

Overlooking the waterfront, the Balboa Bay Resort is a coastal haven offering stunning harbor views and exquisite dining options. Every moment at Balboa Bay Resort is crafted for perfection, from luxurious rooms to impeccable service. Whether traveling for business or pleasure, embrace coastal living and reserve a getaway today.


From now until December 31, 2023, book and stay under the Lawyers Travel negotiated rate and enjoy two complimentary cocktails at A+O Restaurant | Bar.

BEACON GRAND HOTEL

450 POWELL STREET

SAN FRANCISCO

The Beacon Grand Hotel is quintessential San Francisco, symbolizing progressive thinking while also celebrating its storied heritage. Launched during the Prohibition Era as the Sir Francis Drake, the fully renovated hotel offers travelers a new way to visit San Francisco. With everything from walkable shops and restaurants to cable cars outside the front door, the central and connected Union Square location is the perfect home base for exploring San Francisco. 


Lawyers Travel clients receive a complimentary upgrade on bookings with stay dates through March 31, 2024.

FAIRMONT DALLAS

1717 NORTH AKARD STREET

DALLAS

When it comes to making the perfect stay at the Fairmont Dallas, no detail is too small. From the moment guests arrive at their dedicated reception area on the private Fairmont Gold floor, exceptional service begins. Offering hot & cold continental breakfast, a full honor bar, scrumptious evening canapés, and all-day tea and coffee, the exclusive Gold Lounge has everything to make a guest’s stay extra special. 


Lawyers Travel clients can book a $209 Standard or Upgrade to Fairmont Gold at $309. Valid for stay dates now through December 31, 2023.

LOEWS REGENCY NEW YORK

540 PARK AVENUE

NEW YORK CITY

With 60 years of exceptional service, Loews Regency New York, prominently located on Park Avenue, combines timeless Art Deco design with contemporary amenities, offering a luxurious experience on Manhattan's Upper East Side. This season, the hotel is offering their “Eat. Drink. Our Treat. Package”, providing guests with a $75 nightly food and beverage credit for indulgent dining experiences. Enjoy The Regency Bar & Grill, renowned for its "Power Breakfast," or explore an extensive in-room dining menu. Come experience the allure of Park Avenue at Loews Regency New York Hotel.

NOBU HOTEL MIAMI BEACH

4525 COLLINS AVENUE

MIAMI BEACH

Conceived by chef Nobu Matsuhisa, Oscar winner Robert De Niro, and Hollywood producer Meir Teper, Nobu Hotel Miami Beach is a contemporary Japanese beach house in the heart of Miami Beach. Named the #1 Best Resort in Greater Miami Beach via Condé Nast Travelers Awards 2022 and Travel + Leisure's World Best's 2022 Awards, guests find custom experiences in 206 exquisite new guest rooms, three penthouse suites, and four penthouse event spaces with stunning ocean and city views. With over 70,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor event spaces including garden, ocean, and poolside venues with endless possibilities. Guests can explore their culinary curiosity at five onsite restaurants and bars including the world famous Nobu Miami with pulsing nightlife and world-famous cultural attractions just minutes away. Three sparkling beachfront pools plus the exclusive Nobu adults only pool and the expansive 22,000 square foot Esencia Wellness Spa with beauty salon and fitness center await.

THE CHURCHILL HOTEL NEAR EMBASSY ROW

1914 CONNECTICUT AVENUE NW

WASHINGTON, DC

Conveniently located in the Nation's Capital with easy access to various dining options and must-see attractions, The Churchill Hotel Near Embassy Row offers charm and elegance with luxurious accommodations. Inspired by the sophisticated elegance of 18th century design, guest rooms and suites are beautifully furnished with modern accents and calming hues of slate grey and royal purple. The Churchill Hotel Near Embassy Row offers a vibrant food and dining scene at the Chartwell. With unique artwork and a casually chic vibe, Chartwell serves classic American cuisine - from fresh seafood to pastas and the best burgers in the district.

THE DAGNY BOSTON

89 BROAD STREET

BOSTON

Meet The Dagny Boston, a place for play, purpose, and endless possibilities where downtown Boston and the Financial District converge. Designed as Boston’s first Art Deco “skyscraper,” The Dagny Boston occupies the former Battery march building, with a new renovation across 377 redesigned guestrooms, 26 suites, and 14 meeting & event spaces. The brand-new fitness center boasts natural light and sweeping city views, state-of-the-art Technogym and Peloton equipment, AstroTurf flooring, towel service, and complimentary weekly yoga classes for guests.


Personalized concierge services offer recommendations tailored to each guest’s unique needs. This historic hotel features two on-site dining options: Fin Point Oyster Bar & Grille, a fine-dining, full-service restaurant offering breakfast, lunch and dinner served daily with a gleaming raw bar. Tradesman Coffee Shop & Lounge provides light snacks, pastries, coffees, teas and bottled drinks for breakfast and lunch, as well as cocktail service into the early evening.

THE FIFTH AVENUE HOTEL

250 FIFTH AVENUE

NEW YORK CITY

A distinctly independent hotel, The Fifth Avenue Hotel shares the best of New York with the world—and the best of the world with New York via interiors by celebrated designer Martin Brudnizki Design Studio and culinary direction by acclaimed Chef Andrew Carmellini. 


The Fifth Avenue Hotel premiers the highest level of luxury paired with unexpected whimsical touches in every detail. 153 exceptionally appointed guestrooms, including 43 Suites and six Terrace Suites. Each designed with their own personality with distinctive artwork, colorful furnishings, and cozy details that make this historic building feel like home. Each room is accompanied by marble bathrooms, 24 hour in-room dining, toiletries in their signature fragrance, and a complimentary assortment of their favorite snacks and soft drinks. The Fifth Avenue Hotel is a destination unto itself encouraging exploration, fascination, and wonder.

THE LONDONER HOTEL

38 LEICESTER SQUARE

LONDON

Discover a sanctuary for business travelers at The Residence, open exclusively to guests of The Londoner Hotel. Three beautifully designed rooms in the heart of London provide the perfect space to relax, work, and meet. The Residence offers complimentary pastries in the morning, as well as antipasti, soft drinks, tea, and coffee throughout the day, full bar, and food service, newspapers and magazines, complimentary superfast Wi-Fi, and concierge service. There is even a secret whisky parlor accessed via the powder rooms. Experience the luxury and comforts of an exclusive London members club – without needing a membership.

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